Baker's psychology license bill signed into law

Legislation makes licenses valid for 2 full years, instead of tying expiration to licensee's birthday

Gov. Jerry Brown this week approved a bill from local Assemblywoman Catharine Baker (R-San Ramon) to make psychology licenses remain valid for two full years, replacing the existing process that tied license expiration to the holder's birthday.

Under current law, psychology licenses issued by the California Board of Psychology expire on the licensee's birth date within the second year of the license's two-year term, meaning licenses can become invalid anywhere between 12 and 24 months after issuance.

Baker's Assembly Bill 773, which the governor signed on Monday, instead makes every license valid for two years from the date of issuance, expiring on the final day of the second year.

"The birth date renewal system used by the Board of Psychology creates unnecessary burdens for individuals pursuing a psychology career," Baker, whose district includes Pleasanton, said in a statement Tuesday. "AB 773 removes these bureaucratic barriers to entering the psychology profession by streamlining the outdated licensure process with much greater clarity and consistency."

The new law, which will take effect on Jan. 1, passed both state legislative houses without dissent and received support from the Board of Psychology and the California Psychological Association.